English clubs could be forced to slash the number of foreign players in their
squads, to allow home-grown talent to blossom, under new guidelines from MPs.

The report by the Employment Select Committee, backed by the Government, is to
propose a quota system limiting the number of non-European players that
Premiership clubs can field to just two - with ministers determined to find a
way to limit the number of European players as well.

Such a move, to force teams to field no less than five domestic players, would
cause a radical shake up at some of the country's top sides, such as Chelsea,
who have on occasions named a side without a single British player.

Kevin Keegan is reported to have said the pool
from which he can now select his team is 30 to 35, whereas a couple of years ago
it was 30 more than that

Labour MP Derek Foster

Labour MP Derek Foster, chair of the all-party committee who have been
discussing work permits for overseas footballers, told the Sunday Express: "We
are concerned that we are restricting the development of our own young talent.

"Kevin Keegan, the England manager, is reported to have said that the pool
from which he can now select his team is 30 to 35, whereas a couple of years ago
it was 30 or so more than that."

Since the Bosman ruling in 1995, players from inside the European Union have
been free to move without restriction from one member country to another, while
players from outside the EU require a work permit from the Government.

Most EU countries already operate a quota system and FIFA have also expressed
concern over the current system in English football.

Managers working in the English game at present voiced differing views to the proposals when the question of introducing a quota system was first raised.